Generative AI at UCR

UNLEASHING HIGHLANDER POTENTIAL WITH GENERATIVE AI

The rise of artificial intelligence tools, especially generative AI, offers novel and exciting opportunities to Highlanders. UC Riverside is actively evaluating how the campus community can benefit from AI and exploring its potential impact on teaching, learning, researching, and working at UCR. Read on to discover which secure AI tools are available to faculty, students, and staff at no or low cost.

AI TOOLS BY USE

If you know what you’re looking to achieve with AI but are unsure which UCR-supported tool to use, look at the common uses below to identify which tools perform the functions you need.

Common Functions:

Natural Language Processing (NLP): Understand and generate human language, enabling interactive conversations on practically any topic
Virtual Assistance: Respond to prompts, allowing users to research topics, request writing support, summarize complex information, generate new images, and more
Personalized Interactions: Adapts responses based on user input and context to create personalized experiences, even allowing users to return to previous conversations and continue them, if needed
Support and Tutoring: Can be used to provide academic support by answering questions and offering tutoring assistance

Common Functions:

Enhanced Productivity: Integrate with existing productivity tools to streamline workflows and improve efficiency
Automated Note-taking and Summarization: Automatically capture, summarize, and organize information from meetings, lectures, and documents
Collaboration: Facilitate better communication and collaboration among team members with intelligent suggestions and automation
Scheduling and Task Management: Assist with managing calendars, scheduling meetings, and organizing tasks

Suggested Tools:

Gemini for Google Workspace + Gemini Advanced Chat
Microsoft 365 Copilot
NotebookLM
Zoom AI Companion

Common Functions:

AI Model Training: Provide tools and frameworks to build and train machine learning models
Deployment and Scaling: Enable the deployment and scaling of AI models to meet the needs of various applications
Data Analysis and Insights: Offer capabilities for data processing, analysis, and generating insights from complex datasets
Research and Experimentation: Facilitate experimentation with AI models for academic and research purposes

Suggested Tools:

Vertex AI (Google Cloud Platform)
Google AI Studio

AI TOOLS BY ROLE

Are you unsure which UCR-supported AI tools are available to you? Select your university role below to learn which tools you can access.

UCR-supported AI tools for faculty:

Tool	Potential Use Case
Agent Builder (available in Google Cloud Platform)	Design conversational AI agents to provide information, support research inquiries, and assist with administrative tasks. Experiment with different agent templates and build complex workflows to create personalized and engaging interactions.
ChatGPT EDU*	ChatGPT EDU revolutionizes research and teaching at UCR. Harness the power of GPT-4 Turbo to analyze complex datasets, streamline literature reviews, and generate innovative research ideas. Craft engaging lesson plans, create interactive quizzes, and provide personalized feedback to students efficiently. Longer context windows allow for analyzing extensive research papers or student assignments, ensuring deeper understanding and targeted guidance. Shareable chat templates facilitate collaboration on research projects or course development with colleagues across departments.
Gemini Chat	Gemini is a powerful AI collaborator designed to streamline your academic work. It can assist you in quickly analyzing large datasets and research papers, staying abreast of the latest advancements in your field, and generating new research questions and hypotheses. For teaching, Gemini can help create engaging lesson plans and activities, generate quiz questions and feedback, and provide personalized support to students. Additionally, Gemini can draft and edit reports and proposals, prepare presentations and talking points, and even collaborate with colleagues on committee work, making it a valuable asset for your service contributions.
Gemini for Google Workspace + Gemini Advanced Chat	Gemini for Workspace can be your research and teaching assistant. It can generate lesson plan outlines, brainstorm research questions, draft grant proposals, summarize complex academic papers, and even create engaging presentation visuals. Streamline your communication by drafting emails to students, colleagues, and other stakeholders, and quickly summarize lengthy email threads.
Google AI Studio	Explore generative AI models, particularly Gemini, through a user-friendly interface. Design and test various prompts to evaluate model capabilities and fine-tune responses for specific use cases. Integrate models into applications through a safe and easy-to-use API.
Microsoft 365 Copilot	Streamlines research by summarizing papers, brainstorming ideas, and analyzing data. Enhance teaching through personalized feedback, accessible materials, and interactive discussions. Prepare for meetings with talking points and agendas.
NotebookLM	Upload research papers, notes, and other relevant documents to gain a deeper understanding of complex information. Utilize NotebookLM to answer questions, generate summaries, create outlines, and explore different text formats for research papers and presentations.
Vertex AI (available in Google Cloud Platform)	Utilize diverse AI/ML capabilities for academic research projects, experiment with LLMs (like Google's Gemini, Anthropic's Claude), and leverage pre-trained models for various tasks such as image analysis and natural language processing.
Zoom AI Companion	Enhance participation in virtual meetings by providing real-time transcripts, summarizing key points, and facilitating brainstorming sessions. Leverage AI-powered insights to improve communication and collaboration during meetings.

*Available with a paid subscription

UCR-supported AI tools for staff:

Tool	Possible Use Case
Agent Builder (available in Google Cloud Platform)	Deploy virtual assistants to answer frequently asked questions, provide guidance on UCR resources, and troubleshoot common issues. Streamline user onboarding processes and improve customer service experiences across various channels.
ChatGPT EDU*	ChatGPT EDU streamlines communication and enhances productivity for UCR staff. Draft emails, create reports, and develop engaging content for internal or external communications effortlessly. Analyze survey data or feedback forms to gain valuable insights and inform decision-making. Collaborate seamlessly with colleagues on projects using shareable chat templates, fostering a more efficient and connected work environment. Advanced data analysis tools can help process financial data, enrollment figures, or research outcomes, empowering staff to make informed recommendations and support UCR's strategic goals.
Gemini Chat	Gemini can significantly enhance your productivity and efficiency in various professional tasks. It can assist in drafting and editing emails, memos, and reports, creating engaging content for websites and social media, and summarizing meeting notes and action items. Moreover, Gemini can help automate repetitive tasks and data entry, generate reports and analyze data, and even troubleshoot technical issues, freeing up your time for more strategic and impactful work.
Gemini for Google Workspace + Gemini Advanced Chat*	Gemini for Workspace can streamline your administrative tasks by assisting with job descriptions, internal memos, and reports. Analyze data in Google Sheets to identify trends and insights for better decision-making. Additionally, Gemini can help you find relevant training resources and summarize articles on topics related to your role, fostering professional development.
Google AI Studio	Utilize generative AI models to create various types of content, such as educational materials, marketing copy, or summaries of complex information. Explore the potential of AI in automating repetitive tasks and improving content quality.
Microsoft 365 Copilot	Boost productivity in administration through report writing, data analysis, presentations, and correspondence management. Improve communication by crafting engaging content and managing inquiries. Foster collaboration through real-time teamwork, meeting summaries, and brainstorming sessions.
NotebookLM	Organize and analyze UCR-specific documents, policies, and procedures to facilitate easy access and retrieval of information. Streamline report writing and create summaries of meetings or training sessions to improve knowledge sharing and collaboration.
Vertex AI (available in Google Cloud Platform)	Streamline administrative tasks and enhance operational efficiency through AI-powered automation. Develop customized AI solutions to address specific UCR needs and optimize resource allocation.
Zoom AI Companion	Automate meeting scheduling, generate summaries of discussions, and create smart recordings with chapters and highlights. Utilize analytics to identify areas for improvement and enhance meeting outcomes.

*Available with a paid subscription

UCR-supported AI tools for students:

Tool	Possible Use Case
Agent Builder (available in Google Cloud Platform)	Develop conversational agents for research projects, create interactive study guides, or build chatbots for student organizations. Utilize Agent Builder to explore the potential of AI in communication and information dissemination.
Gemini Chat	Gemini is a valuable tool to support your academic journey. It can help you find and summarize relevant information for papers and projects, explore complex topics and identify key concepts, and even assist with citations and formatting. Gemini can also brainstorm ideas and outlines for essays and assignments, provide feedback on drafts to improve writing style, and proofread and edit final papers. Furthermore, Gemini can explain difficult concepts and terminology, help you practice problem-solving and critical thinking skills, and prepare for exams and presentations.
Google AI Studio	Explore the capabilities of generative AI models to generate different forms of creative content, such as poems, code snippets, or music. Utilize AI Studio as a tool for artistic expression and experimentation.
NotebookLM (if in a course that uses tool)	Upload lecture notes, textbooks, and course materials to NotebookLM for personalized learning and exam preparation. Ask questions about specific topics, generate summaries of readings, and receive assistance in understanding complex concepts.
Vertex AI (available in Google Cloud Platform)	Explore AI concepts and tools through hands-on projects. Utilize Vertex AI for coursework related to machine learning, data analysis, and artificial intelligence. Access educational resources and tutorials on the platform to deepen understanding of AI technologies.

AI TOOLS COMPARISON CHART

	Description	Roles Allowed	Getting Access	Training Resources	Cost	Allowed Data
Agent Builder (available in Google Cloud Platform)	A no-code tool for creating conversational AI agents that can interact with users in natural language. It allows for the customization of agent behavior and responses, as well as integration with various platforms like websites and messaging apps.	Faculty Staff Students	Submit a ServiceLink ticket to the ITS Research Computing team.	Google Gemini FAQ	Free	P4: Highly sensitive (ITS consultation required) P3: Sensitive P2: Internal P1: Public
ChatGPT EDU	Still in negotiations with OpenAI.	TBD	Not available currently, still in negotiations with OpenAI.	TBD	TBD	TBD Note: The standard ChatGPT tool (even paid versions) does not meet UCR privacy requirements. As a result, only P1 (Public) data can be used with a non-enterprise version of ChatGPT.
Gemini Chat	Generates text, images, and other content in response to user prompts, facilitating natural and interactive communication.	Faculty Staff Students Note: UCR School of Medicine, UCR Health, and Student Health Services are currently prohibited from using this tool.	Visit gemini.google.com and authenticate using your UCR google account.	Google Gemini FAQ	Free	P2: Internal P1: Public
Gemini for Google Workspace + Gemini Advanced Chat	Automates tasks within Google Workspace apps, such as drafting emails, creating presentations, summarizing documents, and analyzing data. Gemini Advanced Chat is Google's most capable Gemini model that can generate text, images, and other content in response to user prompts, facilitating natural and interactive communication.	Faculty Staff	An annual call for new licenses will be made to the CFAOs. Should additional licenses be needed after the call due to the hiring of new staff or faculty, a request can be made to BearHelp through a Service Link request.	Google Cloud Skills Boost learning path	$259/year	P4: Highly sensitive (ITS consultation required) P3: Sensitive P2: Internal P1: Public
Google AI Studio	A collaborative environment for experimenting with and prototyping various AI models. It provides access to a range of pre-trained models and allows users to build custom models using a visual interface or code.	Faculty Staff Students	Submit a ServiceLink ticket to the ITS Research Computing team.	TBD	Free	P4: Highly sensitive (if associated with a Google Cloud Platform (GCP) project and requires consultation with ITS) P3: Sensitive (if associated with a GCP project) P2: Internal P1: Public
Microsoft 365 Copilot	Streamlines productivity by providing real-time assistance across applications like Word, Excel, PowerPoint, and Teams. Offers tailored suggestions, automates routine tasks, and enhances overall efficiency. Note: Email-related features may not be available. For similar functionality, consider exploring Gemini Workspace + Gemini Advanced Chat.	Faculty Staff	An annual call for new licenses will be made to the CFAOs. Should additional licenses be needed after the call due to the hiring of new staff or faculty, a request can be made to BearHelp through a Service Link request.	TBD	$263.08/year	P4: Highly sensitive (ITS consultation required) P3: Sensitive P2: Internal P1: Public
NotebookLM	A generative AI-powered notebook that combines Google Docs' capabilities with AI features. It assists with tasks like summarizing information, brainstorming ideas, and answering questions based on the content of your documents.	Faculty Staff Students (within a course using NotebookLM)	Reach out to the XCITE team at xcite-help@ucr.edu to initiate the process.	TBD	Free	P3: Sensitive P2: Internal P1: Public
Vertex AI (available in Google Cloud Platform)	A comprehensive platform for developing, deploying, and managing machine learning models. It provides tools for data preparation, model training, and model deployment, along with a wide range of pre-trained models and APIs for various AI tasks.	Faculty Staff Students	Submit a ServiceLink ticket to the ITS Research Computing team.	TBD	Free	P4: Highly sensitive (ITS consultation required) P3: Sensitive P2: Internal P1: Public
Zoom AI Companion	Enhances Zoom meetings with AI-powered features such as Meeting Summary, Smart Recording for Zoom Meetings, and Thread Summary for Team Chat.	Faculty Staff Note: UCR School of Medicine, UCR Health, and Student Health Services are currently prohibited from using this tool.	By default, AI Companion features are turned off for all UCR users. However, you may choose to enable them by visiting ucr.zoom.us. Log in with your UCR NetID and go to Settings > AI Companion to turn on Zoom’s AI features.	Meeting Summary Smart Recording for Zoom Meetings Thread Summary for Team Chat	Free with the UCR Zoom license	P4: Highly sensitive (ITS consultation required) P3: Sensitive P2: Internal P1: Public

IMPORTANT DATA PRIVACY CONSIDERATIONS

When using any AI tool, it’s vital to consider the kind of information you plan to introduce. This is because information provided to a non-UCR-supported AI tool is no longer within the University’s control or realm of protection and is, therefore, information that can be made available to others, including bad actors. Although UCR-supported AI tools offer some level of protection, what is permissible varies by tool.

Review the tabs below to understand university data protection levels and approved tool use:

P1: Public
P2: Internal
P3: Sensitive
P4: Highly Sensitive

Protection Level 1 applies to data and systems that are considered public or non-sensitive. The UCR community is free to use any AI tool they choose if only interacting with this level of data or system.

Permissible Tools:

Agent Builder
ChatGPT EDU
Gemini Chat
Gemini for Google Workspace + Gemini Advanced Chat
Google AI Studio
Microsoft 365 Copilot
NotebookLM
Vertex AI
Zoom AI Companion
Other AI tools, if only interacting with P1 level data or system

Note: The standard ChatGPT tool (even paid versions) does not meet UCR privacy requirements. As a result, only P1 (Public) data can be used with a non-enterprise version of ChatGPT.

Protection Level 2 applies to data and systems that are considered internal data, which contain sensitive information, such as research using publicly available data and most UC directory information.

Permissible Tools:

Agent Builder
ChatGPT EDU
Gemini Chat*
Gemini for Google Workspace + Gemini Advanced Chat
Google AI Studio
Microsoft 365 Copilot
NotebookLM
Vertex AI
Zoom AI Companion *

For other AI tools, request a consultation with ITS

*Note: UCR School of Medicine, UCR Health, and Student Health Services are currently prohibited from using this tool.

Protection Level 3 applies to data and systems that are considered proprietary, which may contain highly sensitive information, such as student records, financial data, or research data of a sensitive nature.

Permissible Tools:

Agent Builder
ChatGPT EDU
Gemini for Google Workspace + Gemini Advanced Chat
Google AI Studio (if associated with a GCP project)
NotebookLM
Vertex AI
Zoom AI Companion *
For other AI tools, request a consultation with ITS

*Note: UCR School of Medicine, UCR Health, and Student Health Services are currently prohibited from using this tool.

Protection Level 4 applies to data and systems that are considered statutory, which may contain the most sensitive information, such as medical data, social security numbers (SSNs), human subject research, or intellectual property.

ITS approval is required before using any AI tool that interacts with P4 data or systems. Examples of tools that can be used with proper ITS consultation include:

Agent Builder
ChatGPT EDU
Gemini for Google Workspace + Gemini Advanced Chat
Google AI Studio
Vertex AI
Zoom AI Companion *

*Note: UCR School of Medicine, UCR Health, and Student Health Services are currently prohibited from using this tool.

EXLORE AI TOGETHER

New to AI? Recognizing its potential to enrich our campus community is the first step to harnessing AI’s power for good. Join UCR’s AI community to learn how you can use this technology responsibly and leverage it for innovation, creativity, and academic excellence.

Join the UCR AI Forum on Slack

AI TRAINING RESOURCES: EXPAND YOUR KNOWLEDGE

LinkedIn Learning

LinkedIn Learning is an online educational platform that helps you discover and develop business, technology-related, and creative skills through expert-led course videos.

Once logged in to LinkedIn Learning with your UCR account, you can access a wide range of courses on AI topics, from introductory overviews to specialized topics like machine learning, natural language processing, and ethical AI considerations.

Access LinkedIn Learning for Staff & Faculty

Access LinkedIn Learning for Students

Google Cloud Skills Boost

Cloud Skills Boost is Google's platform that offers on-demand training and skill development in Google Cloud technologies.

Explore Google's platform for hands-on labs, courses, and skill badges to learn about AI and machine learning technologies on Google Cloud.

Set up a Google Cloud Skills Boost Account

FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS

What is Generative AI?

Generative AI is a type of AI that can create new content – text, images, code, and more – based on the data it has been trained on. Generative AI uses large models called foundation models, which can learn patterns and structures from training data and then generate new data with similar characteristics. This technology offers immense potential for research, education, and creative expression.
What can I use Generative AI for?
- Brainstorm and explore new ideas (e.g., research topics)
- Get writing assistance, summarize complex texts, or generate and edit images
- Find study resources or generate practice quizzes
- Remember: Be careful of the data you input and always critically evaluate the output of AI tools. Generative AI is a powerful assistant—not a replacement for human expertise.
Can I use other AI tools?

You can use other AI tools that don't have contracts with the campus, but you should only share P1 data with them. Always review the privacy policies of the AI tools you use to understand how they handle your data. If you are unsure whether certain data is considered P1 or non-P1, please contact the IT department for guidance.
What are some of the potential risks or downsides of using generative AI?
While generative AI offers many potential benefits, it's important to be aware of the potential risks, such as:
- Bias and discrimination: AI models can perpetuate biases present in the data they are trained on, leading to discriminatory outcomes.
- Misinformation and disinformation: AI-generated content can be difficult to distinguish from human-created content, potentially spreading false or misleading information.

Information Technology Solutions

UNLEASHING HIGHLANDER POTENTIAL WITH GENERATIVE AI

AI TOOLS BY USE

Common Functions:

Suggested Tools:

Common Functions:

Suggested Tools:

Common Functions:

Suggested Tools:

AI TOOLS BY ROLE

UCR-supported AI tools for faculty:

UCR-supported AI tools for staff:

UCR-supported AI tools for students:

AI TOOLS COMPARISON CHART

IMPORTANT DATA PRIVACY CONSIDERATIONS

EXLORE AI TOGETHER

AI TRAINING RESOURCES: EXPAND YOUR KNOWLEDGE

LinkedIn Learning

Google Cloud Skills Boost

FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS

INFORMATION TECHNOLOGY SOLUTIONS

ITS Quicklinks